Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is popular for its use in orthopedic care, cosmetic treatments, hair regrowth, and much more. Orthopedic physicians, in particular, utilize PRP therapy to enhance recovery and heal patients with a multitude of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions.
As a form of regenerative medicine, athletes rely on this procedure after a muscle or tissue injury. It can also be performed after surgery to promote faster recovery. If you are considering getting PRP therapy, talk to your doctor to determine if this treatment is right for you. Here are some questions to ask your doctor about PRP therapy.
What Is Platelet-rich Plasma Therapy?
Platelet-rich plasma makes use of platelets, which are a blood component that plays an important role in clotting. They stimulate cell reproduction and improve tissue function. In this procedure, a patient’s blood is drawn and processed in a centrifuge to isolate the plasma. The plasma is then injected into the affected area.
PRP therapy is often used as an adjuvant to surgery or as a regenerative medicine treatment for orthopedic issues such as osteoarthritis and sports injuries.
What Health Conditions Can PRP Therapy Treat?
PRP can be used for a wide range of conditions that cause musculoskeletal pain. Certain cosmetic procedures also use PRP therapy for its benefits.
- Tendon injuries. PRP therapy may be able to address conditions such as lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) and patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee). The injections can help reduce pain and improve function.
- Studies have shown the efficacy of the procedure to alleviate pain symptoms and reduce inflammation for patients with osteoarthritis.
- Postoperative healing. PRP can be beneficial for post-surgical recovery. This reduces pain and speeds up muscle and ligament recuperation.
- Muscle injuries. Individuals who undergo PRP therapy may be able to return to normal activities faster. PRP therapy promotes cellular healing.
Are There Any Side Effects?
The method of blood extraction and injection is minimally invasive. It is a safe, low-risk procedure and generally does not come with major side effects.
Patients may experience temporary pain, soreness, or bruising at the injection site. It is recommended to eat and hydrate before the drawing of blood to prevent lightheadedness.
What Are the Possible Risks and Complications?
Allergic reactions are less likely to occur since the injection is made up of your own plasma.
However, there may be possible risks associated with the process of injection.
These are:
- Bleeding
- Pain
- Tissue damage
- Infection
- Nerve injury
Every PRP product is processed differently. Make sure to discuss the specific type of therapy you need with your healthcare provider.
Who Are Candidates for the Procedure?
PRP is considered for patients with musculoskeletal or orthopedic conditions who have not responded well to other interventions. This includes physical therapy, joint aspirations, or the basic rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) method. You may also find this beneficial if you have hypersensitivity or have been unresponsive to anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs).
Potential candidates should be screened for blood disorders. A patient who exhibits any of the following conditions listed below is contraindicated to undergo PRP therapy:
- Low blood count (anemia, thrombocytopenia)
- Abnormal or unstable blood pressure (hemodynamic instability, severe hypovolemia)
- Chest pain at rest (unstable angina)
- Taking medication that prevents or dissolves clots (anticoagulant or fibrinolytic drugs)
PRP Treatment Near Me
Regenerative medicine has paved the way for biomedical approaches to address several health concerns. The field of orthopedics has seen an opportunity to use PRP therapy to relieve pain and restore function for acute and chronic ligament, tendon, and cartilage conditions. This method has transformed the way orthopedic injuries are repaired by making use of the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
If you are looking into getting a PRP treatment near you, we at Paul Meli Orthopedic Surgery, have got you covered. Dr. Paul Meli has been a trusted leader in orthopedic care in Florida since 1990.
Call us today at (954) 324-7711 or check-in online to let us know you’re coming. We look forward to serving you.
